How DSS Arrested Waspapping — And The Intervention That Led To His Release

Sani Buhari, a social media influencer popularly known as Waspapping, has recounted the circumstances surrounding his arrest by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), providing clarity amid widespread speculation over the role of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

Mr Buhari said he was arrested on 6 March 2026 at NEPA Roundabout in Kaduna by DSS operatives. He described the arrest as sudden, noting that no clear reason was immediately given at the time.

He added that he was transferred to Abuja the following day, a move he said was carried out on the directive of the DSS Director-General.

The arrest quickly drew attention online, with claims suggesting that the operation was linked to the Office of the National Security Adviser. However, Mr Buhari dismissed such claims, stating that there was no indication at any point that the NSA’s office was responsible for his arrest.

“NO,” he said when asked whether any official communication or interaction suggested that the directive came from the NSA’s office.

He maintained that throughout his detention, there was no suggestion from DSS officials that the operation was tied to the NSA, indicating instead that the arrest was carried out as part of the agency’s internal processes.

*Intervention and release*

Mr Buhari said efforts to secure his release initially proved unsuccessful, including attempts by the Kaduna State Government.

He explained that a breakthrough came after a friend, identified as Jaybee, reached out to officials in the Office of the National Security Adviser.

According to Mr Buhari, the officials subsequently contacted the leadership of the DSS, leading to a shift in the handling of his case.

“I can’t provide full details of how they went about it, but I know they were the ones who made it happen,” he said.

He also described the DSS Director-General as “very professional,” noting that once the officials intervened, the process leading to his release became significantly smoother.

Mr Buhari said the NSA’s office was not aware of his arrest at the time it occurred and only became informed after contact was made.

“Like I said earlier, the NSA had nothing to do with my arrest. In fact, they weren’t even aware I had been arrested until my friend reached out… They then intervened and helped secure my release,” he said.

*Public claims and clarification*

Mr Buhari’s account draws a distinction between the circumstances of his arrest and the events that led to his release.

While the DSS carried out the arrest, he said the only connection to the NSA’s office came later through the intervention of officials, which helped facilitate his release.

The clarification comes amid ongoing public debate and speculation about the roles of security institutions, highlighting the need to distinguish between actions taken by security agencies and subsequent efforts aimed at resolving such cases.